My case is now at the appeals council for the second time. The first time I got a new hearing and lost. I blame that on my lawyer not presenting my case at all, not prepared.

My question is, should I file a new case?
I know they say you can, but you also start all over again with back pay. I guess I'm to the point that I don't care so much about that. I'm more concerned about winning my benefits. I will soon be 55.

My first case is still at the appeals council. Not expected to hear anything for 1-2 yrs. My lawyer I never met and he was terrible at my alj hearing.
So I filed a new application in Feb 2008, I just got an Award letter July 28th. I would advise a new one, what does it hurt to. I still have my appeal in progress. Good Luck to you

By all means put in a new application!My 1st application is now waiting on a federal court decision.It has been a long 4
yrs since I 1st applied.As that case is still pending I am at the reconsideration phase of my 2nd application.

I had a "not so hot lawyer" as well.I meet several listings of ssa disability criteria.My denials all said although I have impairments they are not severe enough to prevent me from doing work....such as a hostess,a gate attendant or sitting doing conveyor work.I think they have lost their minds!
I am now 47 and decided I will just keep applying until they wake up and award me the benefits I deserve.MB